SA Secures 121.1 Million Litres of Jet Fuel to Resolve OR Tambo International Airport Shortages

by drbyos

Airport Fuel Crisis Resolved: 121.1 Million Litres Secured for OR Tambo

The Department of Transport has announced that the fuel industry and its stakeholders have secured 121.1 million litres of jet fuel required at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA). This provision will ensure uninterrupted flight operations until the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (NATREF) refinery reopens at the end of February 2025.

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Urgent Meeting Addresses Jet Fuel Shortages

The announcement follows an urgent meeting convened by the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, last Friday with key fuel industry stakeholders. Attendees included Airport Company South Africa (ACSA), the Fuel Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA), and SASOL.

The meeting’s primary objective was to resolve jet fuel shortages that threatened to disrupt operations at OR Tambo in February 2025. These shortages arose from NATREF’s closure due to a fire on January 4, 2025, causing some airlines to make alternative arrangements, inconveniencing passengers and crew.

Collaborative Efforts Yield Significant Results

On Monday last week, the fuel industry informed ACSA of securing 50 million litres from various suppliers. By Friday, an additional 71.1 million litres had been secured, meeting the total requirement of 121.1 million litres for OR Tambo.

This imported fuel will arrive in South Africa through the Port of Durban via three vessels expected on February 1 and February 10, 2025. The Department of Transport assured that all parties are working on a logistics plan to ensure timely delivery to OR Tambo in time for airline needs.

Building a Critical Safety Buffer

The logistics plan includes the establishment of a fuel reserve to serve as a safety buffer against unforeseen events such as delays, diversions, or unexpected changes in flight conditions.

ACSA will collaborate with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and its entities regarding this fuel reserve. Minister Creecy expressed her gratitude to passengers, businesses, and stakeholders for their patience during this period of “unforeseen difficulty” and apologized for the inconvenience.

Ensuring Future Readiness

While the immediate fuel shortage has been addressed, the ongoing resilience of South Africa’s aviation sector hinges on proactive measures. ACSA’s engagement with government entities demonstrates a commitment to preventing future disruptions.

The NATREF refinery’s reopening will stabilize the jet fuel supply, reducing reliance on external sources and ensuring smoother operations for airlines. This strategic partnership underscores the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and stakeholders in addressing critical challenges.

Conclusion

The successful resolution of the jet fuel crisis at OR Tambo International Airport underscores the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in addressing critical infrastructure challenges. Securing 121.1 million litres of jet fuel ensures that aviation operations can continue without interruption, maintaining connectivity for millions of passengers and businesses.

As South Africa prepares for NATREF’s refinery reopening, the industry remains vigilant, committed to ensuring the provision of reliable, safe, and efficient air travel services. The Department of Transport’s assurance of future planning and safety buffers indicates a robust approach to addressing potential disruptions.

We encourage all affected stakeholders to remain informed about updates and support ongoing efforts to enhance airport operations and safety.

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